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 Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- It's a disturbing trend happening in the Las Vegas area: Criminals posing as utility workers to steal from innocent residents.

Ivan called Action News after someone claiming to be with the Water District knocked on his door. He told Ivan there was some sort of emergency, and he needed to search his home for a leak.

Ivan says he panicked and allowed the stranger inside his home. It wasn't until after he left that he realized more than $200 had been taken from his bedroom dresser.

So what should you do if something similar happens to you? Contact 13 called the Las Vegas Valley Water District, which tells us all of its employees wear a uniform and carry identification.

If someone knocks on your door, the Water District says you can also call to confirm they have an employee in your area. 

Ivan admits he never asked to see any ID.

And scammers aren't just posing as water employees.

Another viewer reached out to Contact 13 about an NV Energy scam.

Amauri tells Contact 13 someone called is wife while he was at work. The caller told her they were behind on their electric bill and their account was frozen.

Afraid of having their power shut off, Amauri's wife paid the bill over the phone with a $200 money order. It wasn't until Amauri came home that he learned what happened, and told his wife they weren't behind on their bill.

Contact 13 reached out to NV Energy. They say customers behind on their bills or in danger of having their power shut off are only contacted by mail. Customers receive a notice in the mail ten days before their power is turned off. If they don't hear from you, then another notice is sent out by mail 48 hours before disconnecting the power. NV Energy says at no point will their service call you to ask for payment over the phone.